Quality of Life

Key Trends

Pages

Many factors influence quality of life, including safety, ability to pay for necessary expenses, and access to leisure activities. In the 9-county region, cost of living is lower than the national average. Crimes against people and property are down, though the rate of drug-related crimes has increased.

Key Quality of Life Indicators

Major expenses generally cost less in the region when compared to the nation. Overall, the region’s cost of living index was 86%, below the national average (100%). The index has changed only slightly since 2005, when it was 88% for our region.

Since 2005, the number of drug-related crimes per 1,000 people increased 4% in the region, while the number across the state almost doubled over the same time period. Rates of increase varied among the regional counties, though some experienced increases similar to the state.

In 2014, over $3.5 billion was spent on travel and tourism in the region, up 18% from 2005. Most counties in the region experienced an increase, with Loudon’s travel spending growing the most (36%).